The Los Angeles Kings are set to honor one of their greatest players, Anze Kopitar, by retiring his No. 11 jersey in a special ceremony at Crypto.com Arena on February 24, 2027. This momentous occasion will take place before their game against the Montreal Canadiens and will also feature the unveiling of a bronze statue of Kopitar outside the arena.
Celebrating a Legendary Career
Anze Kopitar’s retirement from professional hockey marks the end of an illustrious 20-year career spent entirely with the Kings. He will become the eighth player in the franchise’s history to have his number retired, joining an elite group that includes legends such as Rogie Vachon (30), Marcel Dionne (16), Dave Taylor (18), Wayne Gretzky (99), Luc Robitaille (20), Rob Blake (4), and Dustin Brown (23).
The statue dedicated to Kopitar will make him the fourth Kings player to receive this honor outside the arena, following in the footsteps of Gretzky, Robitaille, and Brown. This tribute not only recognizes his contributions on the ice but also his impact on the community and the franchise as a whole.
Throughout his career, Kopitar served as team captain since 2016 and played a pivotal role in leading the Kings to win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. His exceptional skills earned him the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward in 2016 and 2018, as well as the prestigious Lady Byng Trophy in 2016, 2023, and 2025 for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
As the franchise leader in games played, assists, and points, Kopitar’s statistics are remarkable. He recorded a total of 1,316 points, which includes 452 goals and 864 assists over the course of 1,521 regular-season games. In playoff performances, he added 89 points, comprising 27 goals and 62 assists in 107 games. Notably, he surpassed Marcel Dionne to become the all-time points leader for the Kings on March 14, and he currently ranks third in goals for the franchise, trailing only Robitaille (557) and Dionne (550).
As the Kings prepare for this monumental event, fans and players alike are eager to celebrate Kopitar’s extraordinary legacy. The retirement of his jersey and the unveiling of his statue will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the history of the Los Angeles Kings.